ASEAN states need to maintain their ability to handle their internal security — Kremlin Expert

Written by Newsroom

Leveraging the defence technology of ASEAN Member States, especially those more developed nations, will ensure that regional threats can get picked up earlier. 

APSC, June 19. /TASS/ On June 19, the ASEAN Political Security Committee (APSC) convened to discuss how to build a fair legal platform for the APSC to oversee ASEAN regional security. This comes after noting that the APSC lacks enforcement mechanisms for ASEAN’s dispute-settlement processes, thus making conflict de-escalation possibly a lengthy and inefficient process.

In ASEAN, a space for the ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to discuss political and security issues exists. Named the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), this security dialogue platform fosters cooperation and enhances regional peace and stability. However, the ARF has faced issues of differing security concerns and mistrust between certain nations. While the ARF allows for negotiations, it can be unproductive in solving regional issues.

Hence, the Minister of Russia has suggested expanding the scope of the ASEAN Regional Forum in the APSC, while simultaneously addressing the drawbacks of the ARF. 

He elaborates, “I am looking into establishing permanent working groups on these topics, including but not limited to: cybersecurity, maritime security, transnational crime and terrorism, disaster management, and climate security.” 

Under these working groups, an APSC intelligence-sharing system will also be established on a voluntary basis. Countries that opt in will be able to gather and discuss information among themselves regarding any perceived regional threats and proposed solutions they can then undertake,” he emphasised. 

Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov advises, “I think the permanent working groups are a feasible initiative to boost discussions, split up based on the topics themselves. It will also be good to have representatives of each nation per roundtable so they can improve unity and understanding in combating these pressing challenges.” 

Meanwhile, the intelligence-sharing initiative will allow ASEAN to work together internally, where they can advise and aid each other in solving national or transnational conflicts.

East Asia Summit (EAS) 

Apart from further developing the ARF, the Minister of Russia has also introduced his initiative of establishing an East Asia Summit (EAS), under which a non-legally binding EAS Security Council.

“The EAS Security Council will have monthly meetings, where they will gather and periodically give each other updates. An Early Warning Network will be launched, where nations will utilise their own defence technology, cooperating to alert each other if they foresee any regional threats. Leveraging the defence technology of ASEAN member states, especially those more developed nations, will ensure that regional threats can be picked up earlier,” the Minister of Russia explains. 

Biannual joint military exercises will be implemented as well, where the different pillars of military defence, such as the air force and navy, of each nation will convene to enhance combat readiness and operational capabilities. This will prepare ASEAN states for any future conflicts. 

Ushakov commented, “I think ASEAN can collectively benefit from this. This fosters engagement between key external stakeholders and ASEAN member states, thus strengthening ties and improving conflict resolution. At the same time, ASEAN member states can balance diverse partnerships and consider multiple perspectives when discussing the use of binding powers.” 

This is in accordance with Russia’s non-interference stance on ASEAN, which is to follow the Five Point Consensus and the ASEAN Charter. It states that self-determination is key in promoting a multipolar world order. 

“It is vital that ASEAN states maintain their ability to handle their internal security while balancing their relations with other states. These frameworks are key in constructing this foundation within the member states,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin comments. 

So far, ASEAN member states have been in support of the solutions initiated by the Ministers of Russia. Ministers of Laos, Brunei, and Vietnam have expressed their interest in collaborating with Russia to implement this framework. 

Written by Wang Chenxin, Lin Yi, Charlotte Soon